Greenworks Cordless Electric Lawn Mower Review
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A Greenworks cordless electric lawn mower runs on a battery instead of gas, so there is no fuel, oil, or exhaust to manage. Greenworks sells several cordless walk-behind models in the 40V and 48V range, with cutting decks from 14 to 21 inches. The right one depends on your lawn size, how much you want the mower to push itself, and whether you want a battery system you can share with a trimmer or blower. This review covers one model in depth, the Greenworks 40V 21 inch brushless self-propelled mower with a 5.0Ah battery, and it compares that model with two close Greenworks alternatives from the same product group.
Quick answer
- For a larger yard that benefits from self-propulsion, the Greenworks 40V 21 inch brushless self-propelled model is the one in-depth pick here.
- For a smaller yard or a lower-cost option, the 19 inch brushless model or the 16 inch model with a 4.0Ah battery are close alternatives.
- Check runtime as a range. The listings say run-time varies with grass condition and operator technique.
- Confirm battery and charger inclusion. Some Greenworks listings include them, and at least one is tool only.
How to choose a Greenworks cordless mower
Start with the deck. The cutting width sets how many passes a lawn takes. Greenworks lists 14, 16, 19, and 21 inch decks across the models in this group. A wider deck covers more ground per pass, but it also means a heavier mower to push. The 21 inch self-propelled model is listed with rear wheel drive, which the listing describes as a way to add traction on rougher ground. A push model without self-propulsion is lighter to steer, but you do the pushing.
Next, look at the battery. The listings name the battery voltage and amp-hour rating directly. The 21 inch model comes with a 5.0Ah battery and charger in its listing. The 16 inch and 19 inch models come with 4.0Ah batteries. One Greenworks mower in this group is listed as tool only, with the battery not included, and it is compatible with models 29462, 29472, and 29482. Read the battery line on every listing before you compare prices or features, because a tool-only mower needs a battery you may not own.
Third, understand battery systems. The 40V G-MAX battery is listed as a system that powers multiple tools. One Greenworks listing states that the 40V G-MAX and 40V lithium-ion batteries are not cross compatible. That matters if you already own a Greenworks tool, because the battery must match the system you have. The listings in this group describe batteries by voltage and amp-hour, and they do not give cross-compatibility details for every model, so confirm before you buy a second battery.
Fourth, consider storage and cutting height. The 21 inch listing says the mower offers vertical storage that saves space. The 19 and 21 inch listings describe seven height positions, and the 14 and 16 inch listings describe five. Height choice matters if you want to cut shorter in one season and leave grass longer in another.
Runtime and what the listings say
Runtime is the first number most buyers look at, and it is also the most variable. The 21 inch self-propelled model is listed at up to 45 minutes with a fully charged 5.0Ah battery. The 19 inch brushless model and the 14 inch model are listed at up to 30 minutes with a 4.0Ah battery. The 16 inch model is listed at up to 45 minutes with a 4.0Ah battery. Each listing adds that runtime varies with grass condition and operator technique, which is the honest way to read these figures. A thick or wet lawn will use more battery than a light trim. Plan on a second battery if your yard takes longer than the listed time, and confirm whether the listing includes one.
The listings do not state how long a battery takes to charge, and they do not give a lifespan in charge cycles. Do not assume a figure. If charge time matters for your schedule, check the charger details in the listing or ask the seller.
In-depth review: Greenworks 40V 21 inch brushless self-propelled mower
This is the model in the group with the most listed features. The title reads Greenworks 40V 21 inch brushless cordless self-propelled electric lawn mower with a string trimmer and a 5.0Ah battery and charger. The bullets describe a durable 21 inch steel deck, a brushless motor that the listing says provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life, and a single-lever height adjustment with seven positions. The listing does not mention bagging for this model, but it says the mower offers vertical storage that saves 70 percent more space. Those are the claims the listing makes, and this review reports them as listed.
Deck and cutting
The 21 inch steel deck is the widest in this group, which is the main reason to choose this model over the smaller ones. The listing describes a single lever that adjusts the cut across seven positions, which gives you a range from low to high without changing tools. A steel deck is heavier than a poly deck, and the listing describes this deck as durable. The listing does not give a specific cutting height range in the bullets, so check the cutting height in the specs before you buy if you need a precise minimum or maximum.
Self-propulsion and handling
The listing says the self-propelled system uses rear wheel drive to increase traction on tough backyard ground. This matters on slopes, damp grass, or patchy ground where a push mower can slip or stall. Self-propulsion reduces the work of pushing a large deck, so it suits buyers who have a bigger yard or who find a 21 inch deck tiring to push. The trade-off is that a self-propelled mower is heavier and has more parts to keep clean, so it needs a bit more storage space than a basic push model.
Motor and battery
The brushless motor is the feature the listing emphasizes most. The bullet says it provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life than a brushed motor. The battery is a 40V 5.0Ah pack, and the listing bundles the mower with a 40V string trimmer. Shared batteries are useful if you already own a Greenworks 40V tool, because one battery can run both. Check that your existing battery is the same G-MAX system before you assume it will fit.
String trimmer and included items
The listing says the package includes a 12 inch string trimmer with a .065 inch dual line and an auto feed head. The bullet says the variable speed trigger lets you control cutting speed. That makes this bundle useful for edging along fences, beds, and walkways without buying a separate tool. The listing confirms the battery and charger are included in this bundle.
Who it suits
This mower suits a homeowner with a larger lawn who wants self-propulsion, a wide deck, and a shared 40V battery system. It is less suited to a small, tight yard where a 14 or 16 inch mower is easier to store and maneuver. It is also not the choice if you want the lowest price in the group, since the listing offers a heavier, more fully equipped kit.
Close alternative 1: Greenworks 40V 19 inch brushless mower
The 19 inch model is the step down in deck width from the 21 inch review model. Its listing describes a durable 19 inch steel deck, a brushless motor, a single-lever height adjustment with seven positions, and a 2-in-1 design that offers side discharge and mulching. It includes a 12 inch string trimmer with the same .065 inch dual line and auto feed head, and it comes with a 4.0Ah battery and charger. The listing says runtime is up to 30 minutes with the 4.0Ah battery, which is shorter than the 21 inch model’s listed 45 minutes with its 5.0Ah pack. Choose this model if you want a steel deck and brushless power at a narrower width and you do not need self-propulsion.
Close alternative 2: Greenworks 40V 16 inch cordless mower
The 16 inch model is the lighter, more compact option in this group. Its listing describes a lightweight 16 inch poly deck, which the listing says is well suited to small homes and townhouses. It has a single-lever, five-position height adjustment and a 2-in-1 design with rear bagging and mulching. It also includes a 12 inch string trimmer and a 4.0Ah battery and charger, and the listing says runtime is up to 45 minutes with that battery. The poly deck is lighter than a steel deck, but the listing does not describe its durability beyond the materials it names. If your lawn is small and you want the lowest weight in this group, this is the one to compare.
Comparison of the three models
| Model in this review | Deck | Drive | Height positions | Battery in listing | Listed runtime | Trimmer included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40V 21 inch brushless self-propelled | 21 inch steel | Self-propelled, rear wheel drive | 7 | 40V 5.0Ah with charger | Up to 45 minutes | Yes, 12 inch |
| 40V 19 inch brushless | 19 inch steel | Push | 7 | 40V 4.0Ah with charger | Up to 30 minutes | Yes, 12 inch |
| 40V 16 inch cordless | 16 inch poly | Push | 5 | 40V 4.0Ah with charger | Up to 45 minutes | Yes, 12 inch |
Runtime figures are the listing’s own and vary with grass condition and operator technique. The listings do not state a charge time.
FAQ
Is the Greenworks 40V 21 inch mower worth it for a small yard?
Probably not. The 21 inch deck is the widest option in this group, and the self-propelled drive adds weight and parts. If your yard is small or has tight corners, the 16 inch model is easier to store and turn, and the listing describes it as suited to small homes and townhouses.
Does the battery come with the mower?
It depends on the listing. The 21 inch, 19 inch, and 16 inch models in this review are listed with a battery and charger. The Greenworks 40V 19 inch tool-only model in the same product group is listed with the battery not included, so read the title before you order.
Can I share the battery with other Greenworks tools?
The listings for these mowers describe a 40V battery system that also runs a string trimmer. Some Greenworks listings say the 40V G-MAX and 40V lithium-ion batteries are not cross compatible. Confirm that your existing tool and battery use the same system before you buy.
How long will one charge last?
The listings give up to 30 or 45 minutes depending on the model and battery. They add that runtime varies with grass condition and operator technique, so a thick or wet lawn will use more battery. If your lawn takes longer than the listed runtime, plan for a second battery.
Does a steel deck or a poly deck matter?
The listings describe the 21 inch and 19 inch decks as steel and the 16 inch deck as poly. Steel is heavier, and the 21 inch listing describes its deck as durable. The listings do not give a service life, so compare the weight and the price you are willing to carry against the deck material.
Does the mower mulch and bag?
The 19 inch listing describes side discharge and mulching, and the 16 inch listing describes rear bagging and mulching. The 21 inch listing describes mulching in its bullets but does not mention bagging, so check that listing before you rely on bagging.
Is a Greenworks mower quiet?
The 21 inch listing says the brushless motor provides quiet operation. The listings do not give a decibel rating, so do not assume a number. Quiet operation in the listing is a description, not a measurement.
Bottom line
Pick the Greenworks 40V 21 inch brushless self-propelled mower if you have a larger lawn and want the drive and the widest deck in this group. Pick the 19 inch brushless model for a narrower deck with a steel build and no self-propulsion. Pick the 16 inch model for a small yard and the lightest weight. Confirm battery inclusion and the battery system before you order, because the listings differ on both.
Related guides
If you are comparing electric mowers by lawn size, read Best Lawn Mowers for Large Land: Coverage Math for Electric and Cordless Models. For Greenworks models specifically, see Best Greenworks 40V Electric Lawn Mowers.
